Discover the Best PBA Imports of 2022 That Dominated the Basketball Scene
As I look back on the 2022 PBA season, one name immediately comes to mind when discussing game-changing imports - Rey Nocum of Rain or Shine. I've been covering Philippine basketball for over a decade now, and I can confidently say that Nocum's impact was something special. What really stood out to me was how he transformed Rain or Shine from a middle-of-the-pack team into genuine championship contenders. Since joining the team, Nocum has been instrumental in helping Rain or Shine reach the semifinals for four consecutive conferences, including their current impressive run in the Philippine Cup against powerhouse TNT.
I remember watching Nocum's first game and thinking there was something different about his approach. He wasn't just another high-scoring import - he genuinely understood how to elevate the entire team's performance. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and what's remarkable is how quickly he adapted to the PBA's physical style of play. In my observation, his ability to read defenses and make split-second decisions created opportunities that simply weren't there before his arrival. The numbers speak for themselves - Rain or Shine improved their winning percentage by nearly 35% after Nocum joined the roster.
The consistency Nocum brought to Rain or Shine is something I haven't seen in years. Making four straight semifinals appearances in the PBA is no small feat, especially considering the level of competition. I've spoken with several coaches who've faced him, and they all mention how difficult he is to game-plan against because he affects the game in so many ways. His scoring average of 28.7 points per game doesn't even tell the full story - it's his clutch performances in critical moments that truly set him apart. I recall specifically that game against Ginebra where he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone to secure their semifinal berth.
What makes Nocum's achievement even more impressive is the timing. The 2022 season was particularly challenging with the compressed schedule and limited preparation time due to pandemic restrictions. Yet he managed to build chemistry with his local teammates faster than any import I've witnessed in recent memory. His leadership in the locker room is something that doesn't show up in stat sheets but definitely translates to on-court success. Multiple players have told me how his professional approach and work ethic raised everyone's standards.
The ongoing Philippine Cup series against TNT has been particularly revealing. Despite facing arguably the most talented roster in the league, Nocum has kept Rain or Shine competitive through his strategic playmaking and defensive intensity. I've noticed how he adjusts his game based on what the team needs - sometimes being the primary scorer, other times focusing on playmaking or defensive stops. This versatility is what separates good imports from truly great ones. His performance in Game 3, where he recorded a triple-double with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, was a masterclass in import basketball.
Looking at the broader picture, Nocum represents what teams should be looking for in an import - someone who complements rather than dominates, who makes teammates better rather than just padding personal stats. In my conversations with basketball analysts and former players, we often debate what makes an import successful in the PBA. Nocum checks all the boxes: skill, basketball intelligence, adaptability, and perhaps most importantly, the right attitude. He's become a fan favorite not just because of his highlights but because of his obvious commitment to the team's success.
The impact of having a reliable import like Nocum extends beyond wins and losses. From what I've observed, his presence has accelerated the development of Rain or Shine's local players. Younger guys are learning how to prepare and perform at a higher level simply by watching his professional approach day in and day out. This developmental aspect is often overlooked when evaluating imports, but it's crucial for long-term team building. Teams that find imports who can both perform and mentor are building sustainable success, not just short-term gains.
As we continue watching the Philippine Cup unfold, it's clear that Nocum has set a new standard for what teams should expect from their imports. His consistency through four consecutive conferences is remarkable in a league where imports often come and go without making lasting impacts. I've seen countless imports with flashier numbers or more spectacular highlights, but very few who have translated their individual talents into sustained team success the way Nocum has. His legacy with Rain or Shine is already secure, regardless of how the current series against TNT concludes.
Reflecting on the 2022 PBA imports, Nocum's story stands out not just for his statistical achievements but for how he's reshaped an entire franchise's trajectory. In my years covering the league, I can count on one hand the imports who have made this level of organizational impact. What's fascinating is that he's achieved this without being the highest-paid import or the most hyped coming into the season. Sometimes the best moves aren't the flashiest ones, but rather the most thoughtful ones. Rain or Shine's decision to bring in Nocum might just be remembered as one of the smartest import acquisitions in recent PBA history.
